“Well, you might want to remind him of that.”
His brows raised, giving me anI hope you’re not seriouslook before getting distracted as we reached the tunneled archway to my residence where he paused, taking one of the dangling vines between his fingers with great care.
“Is this what your magic looks like?” His words held a reverent awe so pure my cheeks flushed.
“Sometimes,” I said.
“It’s”—he stepped deeper in, soaking up every detail—"mesmerizing."
Unable to sit with his overt praise, I stepped past him. As I was just about to reach the double doors, Kaelun came to my side andwrapped his fingers around the handle. “Allow me,” he said, opening it for me.
Stunned, I crossed into my residence, then turned to face him. “Thank y?—”
My words were cut off as we almost ran into each other. He took a step back, offering me an apologetic smile, then clicked the door shut behind him.
“What are you doing?” I asked, uncertain about how I felt with him being in my space.
“What do you mean?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be on the other side of the door keeping watch?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Orders are to be by your side at all times.”
My mouth dropped open. “At all times? Don’t you need sleep?” What I really meant was,what about my privacy?
Shrugging, he said, “I’ll duck away when I can. You don’t really need me around when you’re with family. Of course, when Kai is here—or you havevisitors—I’ll give you space.”
“Visitors?” I said, brow raised.
“You know”—he winked and shifted in a little closer—"of the male persuasion. Or female, if that’s your preference."
“Kaelun!” I squeaked, my cheeks flushing scarlet.
“What? You’re the most eligible bachelorette in the realm, who am I to get in the way of you cashing that chit as many times as you want?”
I moaned in mortification. “I don’t know you well enough to have this conversation. Besides, didn’t they warn you what happens whenever I’m touched.”
“Yeah,” he shrugged. “Uncle C mentioned it. Said it’s triggered by males. I’m not worried though, one day someone will come along to make you choose between your heart and your trauma—and I know you’ll choose your heart.”
My chest tightened. “How are you so sure?”
“Because the one that’s worthy of your love will give you no other choice.”
I swallowed those words, simultaneously hoping he was right while being terrified of the vulnerability it would require.
No. I would anchor to nothing and no one.
“What about you?” I causally threw over my shoulder as I walked toward my bedchamber, where he followed.
“What about me?” he asked, the words laced with confusion from the abrupt subject change.
“When you’re able to sneak away from guarding me, will you be having anyvisitors?”
“Stars, I better. Can’t imagine going more than a week without Addy.”
I turned to face him, brows raised. “Addy?”
Until he began telling me all about her, I would’ve thought it impossible for him to shine brighter. But he did, giving away what she meant to him before he voiced it. “Yeah, Adilyn is the love of my life—my everything.”
